Kushi Maya Lily Lilium 'Kushi Maya' (PBR) (Viiic/b-c)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Kushi Maya' features an intriguing and striking appearance. It sports a beautiful combination of colors, with petals that boast a creamy white to soft yellow hue, elegantly transitioning to a vibrant green at their throats. The petals are also adorned with numerous purple or maroon spots and brush strokes, creating a delightful speckled effect that captures the eye. These bloom into large, outward-facing flowers that have a characteristic trumpet shape. The prominent stamens inside the flowers add to their exotic look, with contrasting anthers that usually display a rich, brownish or dark color. The leaves of 'Kushi Maya' are shiny, lance-shaped, and arranged in a whorled pattern, providing a lush, green backdrop to the spectacular flowers. The overall appearance of the plant is one of sophistication and beauty, with a unique color pattern that can easily become the showpiece of a garden collection.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Kushi Maya Lily, Nepalese Lily
Common names
Lilium 'Kushi Maya' (PBR) (Viiic/b-c)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the Lily is known to be toxic if ingested by humans. While they are primarily dangerous to cats, for humans, symptoms of lily poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe cases could lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to these gastrointestinal effects. It's important for individuals to avoid eating any part of the lily plant.
To pets
The plant commonly known as the Lily is highly toxic to pets, especially cats. Ingesting even small amounts of any part of the plant can lead to severe kidney damage in cats. Symptoms of lily poisoning in pets include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dehydration, and possible kidney failure. If a pet ingests any part of a lily, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately, as timely intervention can be life-saving.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Lilium 'Kushi Maya' adds visual interest to gardens with its striking flowers, which feature a unique blend of creamy white petals with a purple throat.
- Garden Diversity: It contributes to the biodiversity of a garden by adding its distinct floral characteristics and aesthetics.
- Pollinator Attraction: The bright and conspicuous flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Cut Flower Usage: Because of its large, beautiful blooms and long vase life, it's an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
- Easy Propagation: This lily can be propagated relatively easily from bulbs, allowing gardeners to share and multiply their stock.
- Seasonal Interest: It has a specific blooming season (usually in the summer) which can provide a focal point in the garden during this time.
- Versatility in Planting: Suitable for borders, beds, and containers, this lily provides flexibility for garden design and landscaping.
- Mood Enhancement: The presence of beautiful flowers like the Kushi Maya lily can contribute to a sense of wellbeing and enhance the mood of those who view them.
- Cultural Significance: Lilies often have various symbolic meanings in different cultures, which can add an element of depth and intrigue to a garden or floral arrangement.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lily 'Kushi Maya' can be used in cut flower arrangements, where its elegant and fragrant flowers add beauty and a delicate scent to bouquets and floral displays.
- This lily variety works well as part of a wedding decor, adding an exotic and sophisticated touch to bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations.
- The petals of Lily 'Kushi Maya' can be used for dress and costume embellishments, as their vibrant color and texture provide a unique and natural decorative element.
- Pressed flower art is another unusual use for these lilies, wherein the petals and flowers can be pressed and framed as a form of botanical art.
- Lily 'Kushi Maya' can be used in culinary dishes as an edible garnish, adding a splash of color and a light floral flavor to desserts and salads.
- These lilies can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, as their petals, when dried, can retain scent and contribute to a visually appealing dried arrangement.
- Photographers and artists might use Lily 'Kushi Maya' as a subject due to its striking appearance, creating a perfect focal point for botanical photography and paintings.
- The plant can provide a vibrant backdrop for outdoor garden parties or tea gatherings, enhancing the overall atmosphere with its beautiful presence.
- Schools and educators could use the process of growing Lily 'Kushi Maya' in science classes as a practical example of plant development and horticulture.
- As a natural dye, the petals of these lilies can be boiled to extract color, which can then be used to dye fabrics or paper in crafting projects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Since 'Kushi Maya' is a type of lily, it carries a strong association with purity, often used in religious and ceremonial contexts to symbolize a state of being unpolluted and untainted.
- Renewal and Rebirth: Lilies often symbolize a new beginning or rebirth, possibly because they are perennial and reemerge with growth each year, representing resilience and renewal.
- Femininity: The graceful form and delicate petals of the lily are frequently associated with attributes traditionally considered feminine, such as beauty, gentleness, and softness.
- Transitions: In some cultural contexts, lilies symbolize transitions, such as the passage from life to death, owing to their use in funerals and memorials to honor the departed.
- Love: Certain types of lilies, particularly white lilies, are often conflated with ideas of love and romanticism, featuring in wedding bouquets and declarations of affection.
WaterThe Oriental Lily should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. Water the plant once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once a week during the growing season. Adjust watering to approximately every two weeks when the plant is dormant in colder months. Each watering session should involve pouring slowly around the base of the plant, providing about a gallon of water to allow for deep soil penetration and to reach the roots effectively.
LightThe Oriental Lily prefers a location that receives full sun for at least six to eight hours a day. It thrives in a spot that gets morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, protecting it from the intense heat of the day. The ideal spot is one that's bright and receives indirect light during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureThe Oriental Lily does best in temperatures that range between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive temporarily outside of this range but should not be subjected to temperatures below 40°F or above 85°F, as extreme temperatures can damage or kill the plant. Lilies prefer a consistent temperature and should be protected from frost.
PruningPruning the Oriental Lily is done for aesthetic purposes and to encourage future blooms. Deadhead the flowers as they fade to direct energy back into the bulb rather than seed production. After flowering, leave the stems in place until they die back naturally, which allows the plant to store energy for the next season. Pruning should be done annually, after the blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for an Oriental Hybrid Lily like 'Kushi Maya' is well-draining, rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A mixture of loamy soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand can provide the necessary conditions for this lily to thrive. Ensure good drainage to avoid bulb rot.
RepottingOriental Hybrid Lilies including 'Kushi Maya' don't require frequent repotting and can remain in the same pot for a few years. They should be repotted when they become overcrowded or the soil is exhausted. Generally, repotting every 3-4 years is sufficient to keep the lily healthy.
Humidity & MistingOriental Hybrid Lilies like 'Kushi Maya' prefer moderate humidity levels. The ideal humidity range for these lilies is between 40-60%. They can tolerate some deviation from this range, but consistently high humidity can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, enrich soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Kushi Maya' lily, commonly known as an Oriental hybrid lily, begins its life as a bulb, which is planted in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight. In spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and starts to send up shoots, which develop into sturdy stems with narrow leaves. Throughout late spring and early summer, the stem elongates and buds form, leading to the blooming stage where large, fragrant flowers typically display striking colors and patterns. After flowering, typically in mid to late summer, the plant enters a period of seed production, where pollinated flowers produce seed capsules. Once seeds are dispersed in late summer or fall, or if propagation is not desired, the above-ground parts of the plant begin to die back and the bulb enters a dormant period over winter. The cycle restarts the following spring when temperatures rise and the bulb initiates new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Lilium 'Kushi Maya', commonly known as an Oriental Lily, is typically propagated through the division of its bulb scales, which is the most popular method for this species. This can be done in late summer or fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. To propagate by bulb scales, carefully break off a few scales from the main bulb. Dip the base of the scales in a rooting hormone to facilitate growth, then plant them in a moistened mix of peat and perlite, ensuring the scales are covered by about 1/2 inch (about 1.27 centimeters) of the substrate. These scales will then form bulblets, which will eventually develop into bulbs capable of producing their own flowers, typically within a couple of seasons. This method is efficient and maintains the genetic integrity of the parent plant.
